This morning, arrive at the gate of the Forbidden City, the abiding symbol of imperial China. Truly one of the great achievements of civilization, its construction employed hundreds of thousands of workers between 1406 and 1420. Marvel at its expansive architecture, magnificent imperial gardens, and many museums of Chinese antiquities and treasures.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the lovely Hua’s Garden Restaurant.

Explore the Temple of Heaven, one of the finest creations of the Ming dynasty. This stunning architecture realizes the eternal Chinese desire to incarnate heaven in material form and represents the most advanced principles of mechanics and geometry of the time.

Tour the picturesque Houhai district, where well-preserved courtyard homes and narrow hutong alleys border tree-lined lakes. Tour the district by “pedicab” for a closer and more engaging experience of traditional Chinese life. Visit with a local family in their home.

Head northeast for the Great Wall of China. Encounter this extraordinary rampart at Mutianyu, a rugged section of the wall that offers easy access by foot or cable car. The Great Wall presents a visual experience that dramatically exceeds visitors’ expectations every time. Construction of a few miles of the wall on such jagged peaks seems nearly miraculous, but the rampart stretches for 3,700 miles and passes through 16 provinces.

Enjoy lunch at Xiaolongpu Restaurant at the foothills of the wall, famous for farmers’ fresh produce and unique local cuisine.

This evening, savor the imperial city’s most famous delicacy, Peking duck, along with other Beijing specialties.

This morning fly to the ancient Tang dynasty capital of Xian. Upon arrival, tour the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, home to the extraordinary 2,300-year-old terracotta warriors. The warriors still stand on the original site of the emperor’s burial complex, where peasants discovered them in 1974. Enjoy lunch at the museum restaurant with a noodle making demonstration.
Before dinner, explore Xian’s Muslim quarter. Chinese Muslim culture traces its heritage from the once flourishing Silk Road culture of the Tang dynasty.
Dinner is on own. There is an optional Tang Dynasty dinner show for those interested.

This morning, enjoy a private tour of Shanxi Provincial Archaeological Institute. After lunch, stop at the Han emperor’s tomb, Yangling, to view the Han archaeological finds recently unearthed. Although not on as grand a scale as Qin Shi Huang, the Han emperor sought the same power in the after-life.
Take a flight to Chengdu. Chengdu is the hub of classical Chinese culture with a vision towards the future. Above all Chengdu is known for its unbelievable Sichuan cuisine and the adorable Giant Pandas.

This morning, visit Chengdu Panda Breeding Center beautifully landscaped with lush plants and lakes. Meet with 60 some pandas and their caregivers. The highlight comes at the kindergarten where panda cubs play with each other, climbing up and down trees, rolling and pushing and kicking like Kungfu masters. The Atlanta Zoo’s panda girl was returned to China in 2010 and has lived here since. Also, visit the Small Red Panda Center with 40 small pandas in residence who roam freely.

Lunch at Kuanxi Restaurant nearby. Afternoon wonder People’s Park where throngs of locals gather to practice Taiji, fly kites, or do synchronized dance. Wonder the lovely Bonsai Garden in the park with beautiful tropical and native plants grown for decades in large ceramic pots.

Visit Kuanzhaixianzi, a traditional district with restored courtyard houses from Qing dynasty. Lining the old alleyway, beautiful teahouses, art galleries, bookstores, boutique shops, and restaurants make this area a popular destination for locals.

This morning return to the Chengdu Breeding Center and spend extra time with panda cubs at the kindergarten, arrive in time to see their feeding and watch their playful antics continue all morning long.

Afterwards, drive through the countryside and arrive in Dujiangyan. Check in at hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, tour the beautiful Taoist Qingchengshan Mountain. 2,000 years ago, the famous Taoist sage Zhang Daoling began Taoist teaching here. Taoism has been flourishing ever since. Temples were built on the hillside up to the summit. Lush forests and wild bamboo covers the pathway. Mystic clouds hang over the lush valleys. A cable car ride follows a 30 minute walk to the summit where the grand Taoist temple Sanqinggong resides. A huge 2,000 year old Gingko tree was planted by the old Taoist master near Tianqian Cave.

Dinner at Yishan Restaurant for Sichuan cuisine.

In the evening, you may soak in the rejuvenating natural hot springs at hotel spa center.

In the morning visit Dujiangyan Panda Park. Operated by Wolong Panda Preserve, this is the only place in China that allows panda volunteer work. Volunteers can spend a morning working side by side with the panda caretakers. Cleaning the panda enclosures, preparing panda cakes, and feeding the pandas. At 11:00am, people can take photos with a panda cub. We will send you health exam form to your checkup and doctor’s signature required by the Center.

After lunch, bus to Chengdu Train Station for high speed train to Chongqing. Dinner at local restaurant. Board Victoria Cruises after dinner.

The afternoon is free for your own exploration and last-minute shopping. Enjoy your farewell banquet at Xi Family Garden Restaurant for fine Shanghai cuisine. After dinner, stroll along the Bund, viewing the beautifully decorated colonial buildings along the Huangpu River.

Not Included: Domestic U.S. and international airfare • Gratuities to local guides and drivers on main tour • Gratuities to national tour director • Gratuities on extensions • Visa processing • Meals not included in the tour • Excess baggage charges • Travel insurance • Liquor, wine, & beer, and other items of a personal nature

Customize Your China Experience

Pre & Post tTour Extensions:

Chengde Imperial Resort Extension – 5 days

Huang Mountains Extension – 5 days
Hong Kong Extension– 4 days

To sign up for the Classical Highlights of China tour, please call (888) 333-2585 or (415) 334-4505

Or fill out the inquiry form below to make a reservation or get more details!

China Advocates

China Advocates is a boutique tour operator for luxury tours to China, Japan, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Bali & Hawaii. We are the leading American organization developing high-quality Asia tours. For over 28 years we’ve crafted the finest custom tours and educational travel experiences for private travelers, the nation’s elite alumni associations, zoological societies, and museum donor groups. Our mission is not to simply offer tours, but instead, to create an enriching cultural and educational experience tailored to suit your interests and tastes. Take advantage of our decades of experience by joining one of our Luxury Small Group Tours or by creating a Custom Tour for your family and friends with our team of expert travel planners. Our tours are now open to experienced travelers and newcomers alike!